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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Johnson Records Double-Double, Leads Hawks in Rebounds & Assists Despite Loss

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Atlanta Hawks' Jalen Johnson finished Friday's 126-98 loss to the Spurs with 17 points (6-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, and one steal over 31 minutes. He led the team in rebounds and assists, though he committed a season-high seven turnovers. Johnson is in the midst of a career year, averaging 24.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 1.9 threes, and 1.3 steals over 36.2 minutes per game in seven appearances since December 1st.

Randle Involved in No-Call Leading to Coach Finch's Ejection

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During Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Julius Randle was involved in a controversial play where he was stripped following an offensive rebound at the 6:23 mark of the first quarter. A no-call on this play, alongside another involving Anthony Edwards, led to Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch erupting at an official and subsequently being ejected from the game. This incident occurred less than six minutes into the contest.

Powell Leads Heat Scoring with 18 Points, Struggles from Three-Point Range

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Miami Heat's Norman Powell registered 18 points (7-21 FG, 1-11 3Pt, 3-5 FT), four rebounds, three assists, and one steal over 34 minutes during Friday's 129-116 loss to Boston. He finished as Miami's second-leading scorer but accounted for 10 of the Heat's 30 missed three-pointers, his most in a game since March 2024. Despite this off night, Powell has been the Heat's primary offensive option in games without Tyler Herro (toe), a role expected to continue for Sunday's game against the Knicks if Herro remains sidelined.

Kel'el Ware Achieves Second Straight 20-Point Double-Double, Sets Career High

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Miami Heat's Kel'el Ware recorded his second consecutive 20-point double-double as a starter, tallying 24 points (8-12 FG, 6-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists, and one block in 28 minutes during the Heat's 129-116 loss to the Celtics. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding, setting a career high with six three-pointers. Ware is likely to start again against the Knicks on Sunday if Andrew Wiggins (back) is not cleared to play.

Jaylen Brown Scores 30 for 6th Straight Game, Passes Celtics Legend

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Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown finished Friday's 129-116 win over the Heat with 30 points (9-18 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 10-11 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal over 35 minutes. This marks his sixth consecutive 30-point game, and he rose to 13th on the Celtics' all-time points leaderboard, surpassing Tommy Heinsohn. Brown has averaged 32.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 threes since December 2nd, serving as the team's offensive focal point.

Derrick White Explodes for 33 Points, Ties Career-High 9 Threes vs. Heat

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Derrick White, previously recommended as an optimal NBA DFS pick for Friday, delivered a stellar performance for the Boston Celtics. He tallied 33 points (11-20 FG, 9-14 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six assists, five rebounds, and four blocks over 36 minutes in the 129-116 win over the Heat, tying his career high with nine three-pointers. White has been exceptional in December, averaging 24.7 points, 5.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 5.1 threes, and 1.4 blocks, shooting 42.9% from deep.

Ayton Ruled Out for Saturday's Game Against Clippers with Elbow Soreness

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Deandre Ayton (elbow) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers due to left elbow soreness. This marks his second consecutive missed game. His next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Suns. In his absence, Jaxson Hayes is expected to draw the start at center for the Lakers.

Scoot Henderson Remains Out Indefinitely with Torn Hamstring Injury

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Scoot Henderson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against the Kings. He sustained a torn left hamstring in September and remains without a timetable for return. The 21-year-old point guard is currently limited to non-contact work and should be considered week-to-week until the Trail Blazers provide a further update on his recovery.

Austin Reaves Out for Saturday's Game Due to Grade 1 Calf Strain

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Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers. He is still working through a Grade 1 left calf strain, making this his third consecutive game missed. Marcus Smart will remain in the Lakers' starting lineup for as long as Reaves is sidelined. His next potential return is Tuesday against the Suns.

Jerami Grant Questionable for Saturday's Game with Left Achilles Soreness

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Jerami Grant is questionable for Saturday's game in Sacramento due to soreness in his left Achilles tendon. The 31-year-old veteran has logged heavy minutes this season, missing only one game so far. We'll have a better idea on Grant's status based on his activity level at Saturday's shootaround, but if he is forced to the sidelines, Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert would likely see increased playing time for the Trail Blazers.

Hachimura Questionable for Saturday's Game with Right Groin Soreness

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Rui Hachimura is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers due to right groin soreness. He may have picked up the injury during Thursday's win over the Jazz, where he logged 13 points (6-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist, and one block over 33 minutes. If Hachimura is unable to play, Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt could potentially start for the Lakers.

Jrue Holiday Remains Without Timetable for Return from Calf Strain

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Jrue Holiday (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings. He has not played since November 14 due to a right calf strain and remains without a timetable for his return. The veteran point guard should be considered week-to-week until the Trail Blazers offer an update on his recovery status.

James Harden Cleared to Play Saturday, Removed from Injury Report

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James Harden has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game versus the Lakers. He had previously sat out Monday's loss to the Thunder with a calf contusion, but he'll be back in action Saturday. His return will likely result in Bogdan Bogdanovic heading back to the second unit, with fewer minutes available for Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders.

Grayson Allen Questionable for Saturday's Rematch Against Warriors

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Grayson Allen (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Warriors. He was held out of Thursday's 99-98 win over Golden State due to right knee soreness but has a chance to return for the rematch. If Allen is not cleared to play, Royce O'Neale would likely remain in the Suns' starting lineup.

Pat Spencer Returns to Action Saturday, Removed from Injury Report

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Pat Spencer (personal) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game versus the Suns. He will be back in action following a one-game stint on the inactive list and is expected to return to his usual role in the second unit. Spencer is currently averaging 7.4 points and 3.2 assists per game this season.

Lauri Markkanen Doubtful for Saturday's Game vs. Magic

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Lauri Markkanen (groin) is doubtful to play Saturday against the Magic, which would mark his second straight game on the sidelines. This continued absence for the Utah Jazz is expected to result in Keyonte George and Ace Bailey dominating the offense. Fans should check back for official word on Markkanen's status closer to Saturday's tipoff, as his availability significantly impacts the team's rotation and scoring potential.

Alexander-Walker Reclaims Starting Role for Hawks vs. Spurs

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Nickeil Alexander-Walker is back in the Atlanta Hawks' starting lineup for Friday's game against the Spurs, as reported by Brad Rowland. This move comes with Trae Young (knee - injury management) sitting out the second leg of a back-to-back set. Alexander-Walker has started in 22 of 26 regular-season games and, despite coming off the bench Thursday, delivered 28 points, eight rebounds, and two assists over 34 minutes against the Hornets, showcasing his impact.

Tyrese Proctor Earns First Career Start for Cavaliers on Friday

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Tyrese Proctor is set to make the first start of his career for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Friday's game against the Bulls. This opportunity arises due to Donovan Mitchell's absence (illness). Proctor will join Darius Garland, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, and Jarrett Allen in the starting unit. He could be considered a low-end streamer in deep leagues for those seeking points and triples, marking a significant step in his rookie season.

Jaime Jaquez to Start Friday, Expected to See Increased Playmaking

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Jaime Jaquez has been confirmed to be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Celtics, marking his first start of the season. His elevated role comes as Andrew Wiggins (back), Tyler Herro (toe), Pelle Larsson (ankle), and Davion Mitchell (ankle) are all unavailable. Jaquez is expected to receive significant playmaking opportunities, building on his season averages of 19.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per 36 minutes.

Andre Drummond to Start Friday with Embiid Out Due to Illness

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Andre Drummond will start for the 76ers in Friday's matchup against the Knicks, filling in for the absent Joel Embiid (illness). He will join Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, and Dominick Barlow in the starting five. In his 11 previous starts this season, Drummond has averaged 10.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 0.8 triples, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.